I'm back! Can't quite believe it, but it's happened - I've written something again! I hadn't written a thing for over two years but I'm back where it all started - with Lumione. I am loving writing this. It won't be long, as you know what I'm like when I promise things I can't deliver on. This will only be one or two more chapters, but there will be smut aplenty. I've missed you all and apologies for my absence, but life is like that sometimes.

In the meantime - enjoy!

Hermione, as always, was in a hurry. She should be at the Ministry. Admittedly, her meeting didn't start for an hour, but she had documents to copy and people to see, documents she had been working on so urgently that she now simply clutched them to her chest. She needed time to prepare. There was never any benefit to arriving with no time to settle and sort one's thoughts.

The June sun had basked down on the hardened streets of London the previous day, baking them under its heat, but now the sky was grey and glowering above the heads of the anonymous people equally in a hurry as Hermione. She carried on along Shaftesbury Avenue, head down, intent on her purpose. She had chosen not to Apparate or take a floo that day. Walking helped generally. With what, she asked, the answer known but unspoken.

There came a gentle but discernible rumble of thunder and she quickly felt the first thick and heavy drops of a summer rain storm hitting her head. She didn't mind the sensation of getting wet – she was a pluviophile after all – but she lamented the thought of arriving at the Ministry with soaking hair plastered over her face.

Hermione hurried on, turning down a side street to avoid the crowds. She started to trot against the increasingly relentless downpour and turned again down a yet smaller street without looking.

'Ow!'

She collided with someone coming the other way. It hurt – they were tall – and her papers fell out of her hands onto the wet pavement. But her natural tendency to apologise for something that wasn't her fault rose to the fore. 'Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't looking!' she said quickly as she bent to pick up the papers.

'No, it was my fault. I do apologise.'

The man immediately bent to help her and his apology was sincere, but there was something familiar about his voice. She glanced across at him and for the second time in only a few seconds exclaimed in shock. 'Oh!'

She had collided with Lucius Malfoy.

For his part, he now looked equally shocked to see her.

It threw her: bumping into him, apologising to a man she loathed, but also hearing a completely genuine apology from him.

Only now did he draw his face into that familiar expression of arrogant superiority. 'Miss Granger.'

It was almost comforting to hear the sneering lilt return.

For a moment there was silence between them, but she couldn't let the moment go and as she continued to pick up the now soaking papers, she said, 'You should have been looking where you were going.'

'I wasn't the one running, Miss Granger.'

'Well … I have important things to do … so … y'know …' She sounded like an idiot, she knew it.

'Whereas my purpose is, of course, entirely inconsequential.'

'Look, can you just help me pick these things up?' She tutted, desperate for the whole situation to end.

'I am.'

And he was. In fact, he was far more focused on sorting it than she was; she'd become suddenly cack-handed, scrabbling at the sodden pages. The heady aroma of summer rain on hot streets wafted up powerfully, and mixed into it was a scent which could only be his cologne: bergamot and sandalwood. It was a potent mix.

By now, it was pouring with rain. Her papers were soaking, and many ripped as she tried to pick them up.

'Bugger!' she muttered in frustration. Even magic couldn't salvage them.

Malfoy sighed, and once again, it seemed genuinely sympathetic. She glanced at him in surprise. His long hair was as wet as hers, but, with it away from his face, she noted his bone structure: high cheek bones, the faintest stubble daring to poke out, bright grey eyes.

'Look,' he said. 'We're both drenched and standing out here isn't going to help either of us. May I suggest a place to dry off? There's a tea shop further along which will serve that purpose very well.'

Again, shock. 'What?' She sounded sharp, confrontational, and immediately disliked herself for it.

His mouth quirked and he sniffed out, as if he'd predicted her response.

'Tea … Miss Granger?'

'With you?'

'It is the usual custom to have tea with the person asking you to tea.'

'Me?'

'Again … yes.' He smirked again, but this time she found it quite nice.

'I … ' For God's sake? Why couldn't she get her words out today? 'I have a meeting to get to.'

'Ah. Well … neverm-'

'But it's not for an hour.'

He met her eyes again.

'OK,' she said.

She'd just accepted an offer of tea with Lucius Malfoy.

They looked at each other, both stunned at what had just been agreed between them. The rain continued to pour down, but she barely noticed. Then suddenly she remembered and realised that her mascara was probably running and her hair clinging to her face like rats' tails. She quickly brought up a hand to draw the strands back but was instantly annoyed with herself for caring what Lucius Malfoy thought of her appearance. She stood, a great big wet mess of contradiction.

'Right,' he said. 'Shall we then?' And he held out his hand to indicate down the street.

They walked in silence. Luckily, it was only a few metres further down. He opened the door to a small tea shop with a counter and a few tables set out. There were two other tables occupied, one by a man reading, the other by two women in intense conversation.

'Hi,' greeted the person behind the counter, smiling broadly. 'You two look a bit wet! Take a seat and I'll come over.'

Hermione instinctively retreated to a far corner, away from prying eyes. They were unlikely to be known around here, but she'd rather not be seen out with Lucius Malfoy. She almost laughed aloud at the reality of it.

They sat down, removing wet coats and shaking themselves off as best they could.

'We could just use the hot air charm,' she said. 'Might be a bit obvious here though.'

'Hmm. And, anyway, I quite like seeing the impeccable Hermione Granger in a rather damp state.'

He said it with a teasing lilt, and she wasn't sure if she was furious or beguiled. She glanced up and knew she was blushing, but when she saw the dance in his eyes, instead of admonishing him, she found her mouth curling into what could only be described as flirtation.

'And I enjoying seeing the equally impeccable Lucius Malfoy in an equally damp state.'

His smile deepened, as did hers.

She reached for the menu, focusing on it to dispel the tension.

What the hell was she doing?!

She had to remind herself that this was a former Death Eater, the father of her arch enemy, a man who'd spent time in Azkaban for war crimes. Admittedly, through reparation, the Malfoys had managed to exonerate themselves after the final war and had gone through an extensive process of rehabilitation, but old feelings lingered on. She had seen Lucius occasionally at work and at social events, and knew that his marriage had broken up shortly after the war. Rumour had it he now gave a lot of his fortune to charity, although Hermione had always found that hard to accept.

Still, here she was sitting at tea with him, and so far, he'd done nothing to upset or belittle her. She looked at him again as he studied the menu; he really did have remarkably brilliant eyes.

The waitress approached. 'What can I get you?'

'Earl Grey, please,' she said. 'With milk, thanks.'

Lucius' eyebrow arched. 'And for me.'

'Milk for you too, sir?'

'Yes, please.'

'True compatibility,' the waitress smiled. She'd assumed they were a couple. Hermione opened her mouth to correct her, but the girl quickly asked, 'Anything to eat?'

'No, thank you,' they both answered at exactly the same time.

When the girl had gone, there was a moment's silence. Lucius broke it.

'So what brings you to this part of London?'

'I needed to go to a bookshop near here before heading to the Ministry.'

'Why not Apparate?'

She shrugged. 'I didn't think it would rain. I like walking. And anyway, I could ask you the same thing – what brings you to this part of London, Lucius Malfoy?'

He looked at her intently at her use of his full name. 'Similarly, I also like walking.'

Immediately, she assumed he was up to no good, but he soon gave an answer which she saw no reason to doubt. 'I was visiting my Muggle bank, and then thought I'd take a walk. I too hadn't anticipated rain.'

'You have a Muggle bank?' She gaped.

'Yes, does that surprise you?'

'Of course – I didn't think you'd go anywhere near anything Muggle.'

'Times change, Miss Granger. One needs a Muggle bank when supporting Muggle enterprises.'

'Businesses?'

'Sometimes … and other more philanthropic ventures.'

He meant charities. As much as she wanted to accuse him of a virtue signalling lie, she detected no deceit in his voice.

'Right,' she said, and it sounded hollow and inadequate. Times really did change. 'How's Draco?' she asked suddenly, partly as a way to make amends for her doubts.

'He's alright, thank you, although things have taken a while to settle, shall we say.' He paused, then added, and she detected how much effort it took him to ask, 'How is Mr … Weasley?'

'Oh,' she dropped her head. 'Ron and I … we're … not together anymore.'

'Ah. I didn't know.' He didn't express sympathy, but remained quiet for a while before breathing in and saying, 'Still …'

'Still what?' She darted a sharp look at him.

He opened his mouth, but then thought better of it. 'Nothing.'

The waitress arrived with their tea. 'Here you are. Two Earl Greys.'

She placed them down and Hermione was grateful to be distracted.

'You've been here before then?' she asked him.

'Once or twice. On my own. I like it. It's quiet and anonymous.'

'The best way.' Why did she keep agreeing with him?

'Still at the Ministry, then, Miss Granger?'

'Yes, it can be bureaucratic and frustrating, but there's enough to keep me on my toes.'

'You are very well regarded there, I know that.'

Another compliment.

'You're being far too nice to me, Mr Malfoy.'

'I think we've gone beyond that. Just Lucius.'

'Just Hermione then.'

They locked eyes and suddenly she laughed and dropped her head. 'I can't believe I'm doing this.'

'What?'

'Having tea with Lucius Malfoy.'

'You can't believe it?' he scoffed, but his teasing came through strongly.

'You could've just walked on in the rain,' she continued.

'You could have refused to come to tea. Why didn't you?'

'Curiosity perhaps.'

'Hmm … perhaps.'

She pulled a strand of hair behind her ears. It was still damp.

'Are you drying off? Not cold?' he asked.

'I'm ok.'

He sounded genuinely concerned. She imagined he had probably always been like this with his family. Everyone was human, after all.

Forgiveness. It seemed to have hit her hard and quickly. She shook herself. This was mad.

'I should get going,' she said suddenly.

'Your meeting isn't for 40 minutes.'

'Well, I like to be early.'

'You still have most of a pot of tea. There's time.'

He really did have a lovely voice when it wasn't spouting supremacist bullshit. She made the mistake of meeting his eyes again. He was looking at her intently: the same face, the same smooth and effortless entitlement, but now it lacked the arrogant hauteur she'd always seen before. And as such, she was struck by how unfeasibly good looking he was.

She wondered what it would be like to kiss him. Right there and then. She allowed her mind an image of her leaning across the table and softly kissing his lips. And in her mind, he curled his hand around her neck and returned the kiss. It didn't stay soft for long.

Perhaps she did have time. Hermione reached for the tea pot. 'Yes, you're right. I shouldn't always rush.'

They started to chat. He told her about his family history, she told him about how she had an aunt and uncle who lived in Wiltshire close to Malfoy Manor and how she'd enjoyed long lazy summers there as a child. He would take Draco fishing in the same river her uncle had taken her to. She talked about the book she was reading, he said it was the next on his list to read. It was a Muggle book. Again, he seemed genuine. Rehabilitation seemed to have worked on this man. The paradox of it all appealed to her.

She studied his hands as they poured more tea. He had long, strong fingers. She wondered what they'd feel like on her skin. She wondered what they'd feel like inside her.

Hermione swallowed hard and tore her eyes away. They fell on a clock on the wall. 'God, I really should go now. I'll settle up.'

'Don't worry about that,' he said. 'Allow me.'

'No, honestly.' She caught the waitress's eye. 'Could we have the bill, please?'

The girl smiled and brought over the bill and card machine quickly. Before she could pay, Lucius had quickly done so.

'Thank you,' she said. 'Next time is on me.'

His eyebrows quirked. 'Next time? Miss Granger … how presumptuous.'

She smiled. 'I thought it was going to be Hermione?'

They stood, picking up their still damp coats.

Out in the lane, she gave a sigh. 'Can't say I'm looking forward to hours at the Ministry. That was …' She looked at him fully. 'That was really nice … thank you.'

'Yes … it was nice.'

She didn't move off and they stood looking at each other.

And then he reached up and moved a still damp strand of hair from her face. His fingers were warm and assured.

'I can't believe we did that,' she murmured, almost a disbelieving whisper.

'Neither can I.' He was searching her face.

'I liked it a lot.'

'So did I.'

When she looked back on it that evening, Hermione thought it must have been her who moved first, but in all honesty, it seemed to be entirely mutual. Whoever initiated it, what happened next happened suddenly and with no hesitation.

Her hands reached up to his shoulders, then further around his neck, his hands found her waist and drew her into him, she drew his head down as he leaned down to her and their lips met.

And, God, that was good!

Hermione hadn't kissed anyone for an age, and here she was kissing Lucius Malfoy.

They started off slow, not hesitant, but enjoying the moment so much that there was no need to hurry it.

She moved her lips gently under his and enjoyed the feeling of his hair through her fingers and his hands on her waist. They drew in breath which they shared and the warmth and softness of his lips soothed her. But then that urgent twist took hold in her belly and she deepened the kiss, opening her lips for him. He responded immediately and his tongue teased her. She gave him hers and opened wider while pressing her hips against him. He pulled her in harder to him with a grunt of need and she ground herself against the hardness she felt there. Lucius groaned into her mouth and then broke away to kiss and graze down her neck until he came to the join of her shoulder.

Her head fell back. 'Oh God, oh God, this is crazy, this is madness.' But she held him hard against her and thrilled to feel his hand reaching down to find a breast, gently plying it until she knew the nipple would be standing out hard and rigid for more.

She could feel his erection desperate against her and indulged it, pressing wantonly against him and making him moan against her hot skin.

'Yes … do that, do that … so good, so good …' Lucius groaned, his voice low and needy.

He returned to her mouth, and their kiss was hot and desperate, tongues mingling, lips bruising.

When they finally drew back, if only to breathe, they stopped, panting, and stared at each other.

'I have to go. I really have to go,' she said.

'I have to see you again,' he stated.

She should end it here, shouldn't she? She didn't. 'Yes.'

'When? Tonight?'

'I can't.'

'Tomorrow?'

'Yes.'

'I'll book a room at the Savoy.'

'OK.'

'Can you be in the lobby at 7?'

'Yes.'

'Right.'

'OK.'

And then they were kissing again and he almost ripped her shirt and she almost reached in and took out his still rock hard cock, but somehow they tore themselves apart and she forced herself to run from him.

She made it to her meeting with one minute to spare.

It's been so long that I've forgotten how this all works, but I think it's here that I say that faves and comments are hugely appreciated (they really are). Let me know if you're still out there - it'll be good to say hi to some old faces and meet new ones. I'm sure the Lumione love is still going strong.